Giving shots

starjj · #1 03/15/11, 11:39 AM

I have two beef heifers coming two years old probably at least 900 lbs each. They are due (I hope at the end of next month). Anyway my question is--How hard is it to give shots and is there a website I can go to to see how and where to give the shots? They are due for pinkeye and blackleg shots. They are pretty tame with me but standoffish with anyone else. I can run my hands all over one of them, the other one not so much. No chute but I could run them into a large stall (15 X 20). Is it in the realm of possibilities that I can do this or do I need to call the vet?

BTW I am a woman so just saying the physical strength is not as great.

THANKS!

Adding another question--Is it OK to give the shots at this time since they are due to calve next month? What shots do the calves need?

mamahen · #2 03/15/11, 11:57 AM

If you can pet them (and you don't have any sort of way to restrain them), scratch & rub their neck/shoulder area. Either side. Think a triangle shaped area.

After really scratching & rubbing, give a few heavy taps & slaps (not hard!). You don't want to spook, just get them ready. Then give the shot.

Cow hide is tough - you really have to be ready to push in the needle.

By now, your heifer knows what you did - you have to be quick & ready to make a tent in the skin (if you're giving sub c) or just in the neck if it's IM, insert needle, & push the plunger.

If she doesn't react when you insert the needle and you have time - you can pull back the plunger just a bit to make sure you don't have it in a vein.

Blood = vein. Pull out & try again.

We always give in the neck area so the meat isn't damaged. Some give along side the tail. ALso, we always get a bump for a few days to a week after the vacc.

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publi...H_Beef__40.pdf

Picture of where to give - http://www.oklahomaclubcalfassociati.../Vaccinate.pdf

myersfarm · #3 03/15/11, 01:10 PM

the needle going in will be like a SMALL bee sting if they will stand still for that then they will stand for the shot....I jsut do not see all them standing for it...some might but all....it takes just a second to push in plunger

but one good strong steel pipe cattle panel 26 inches from a wall make a place to give the shots